Pictures of the Old World
Dušan Hanák’s award-winning documentary, available with English subtitles for the first time, examines the lives of elderly villagers in northern Slovakia, each of them out of step with the modern world. Taking inspiration from photographer Martin Martinček’s striking portraits, he returns to the subjects and gives them an opportunity to talk about their experiences, their faith and their view of the world.
Flowing between staged photography and candid interview footage, he both preserves the concept of them as living pieces of art and transcends the format by resisting easy sentimentality and labels. Hanák presents them simply as they are: human, with all their complications and contradictions.
Given that they’re living in extreme poverty, much of it is heartbreaking but there’s an undeniable warmth and sensitivity to Hanák’s approach. At a little over 60 minutes it’s over too quickly, but the villagers' stories are fascinating and beautifully presented. An exceptional work.